Julie Littlechild’s new book, The Pursuit of Absolute Engagement. Intentionally Design a Business That Supports the Life You (Really) Want to Live is a guide for financial advisors ready to make significant changes for a better life and career.
“If things aren’t bad, you probably don’t stop and ask yourself if there’s something more. You probably don’t ask yourself what you really want to create. But some have stopped and asked those questions: They’re Absolutely Engaged,’’ Littlechild writes.
In her book, Littlechild outlines five practical steps financial advisors can use to achieve improved business: she calls them awareness, audacity, action, accountability and renewal. She suggests advisors apply three principles to achieve these steps: Personal vision drives business vision; client and team experience should be tailored to actively support your business vision; and, you’re human, don’t forget it!
Speaking from her office in Toronto, Littlechild said her research and advisor coaching show that advisors ready to make changes are usually in their 40s and 50s and have had successful careers.
“I had the successful in mind when I was writing the book. For them, things are looking good, but the next phase questions start creeping in. What are they looking forward to, what more do they want to accomplish?’’
Twenty years ago, Littlechild, a researcher and writer, formed AbsoluteEngagement.com, which gives speaker presentations and workshops on advisor issues such as client and team engagement. Advisors overhaul their way of doing business are tell Littlechild how they are faring with the five-step program.
“Where I think people struggle the most is in the first step (awareness) and the last step (renewal). Both require you to think about your own personal vision and prioritize that. From what I have observed, it is most difficult dealing with your internal demons—why are you questioning this? You are successful, why make a change that could have an effect on you, your team, your clients? Having an open mind can be challenging,’’ she said.
The book has numerous anecdotes from advisors and planners who have improved their life and career by “determining their passion and tailoring their business in a really specific way to reflect their vision.